Get your trainers on and run for Robbie the robot

The Robbie the Robot Appeal has a limited number of spaces in this year's Reading Half Marathon

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Run for Robbie! That’s the message for people keen to take part in this year’s Reading Half Marathon but haven’t got a place.

The Royal Berkshire Hospital’s appeal to raise cash to keep the state-of-the-art piece of equipment in Reading has a limited number of spaces in the 13-mile event in March.

To be lucky enough to run with the Robbie team, participants have to be able to raise £300 in donations to go towards the £1 million needed to pay for the Da Vinci robot.

Those selected to run with the team will get the chance to visit Robbie himself at the hospital and will be able to have a go at using the robot at the end of next month.

Reading Half Marathon is one of the most popular events in the UK running calendar and all places have been taken up. But the Robbie the Robot Appeal has 20 places to give out.

A team of 17 doctors and nurses are heading up the team and are already training for the big event, but they are hoping other Robbie fans will come and run alongside them.

Gill Valenti, fundraising manager for the appeal, said: “We know there is going to be a big demand for these places as a lot of people have missed out on entering the half marathon independently so we want people to let us know if they would like a place as soon as possible.

“The Reading half is a really popular event and the atmosphere is fantastic. It doesn’t matter if you are a professional runner or have never run a marathon before in your life, as long as you can get the support from donations we are happy to welcome you into the team.”

Adam Jones, consultant urological surgeon, is one of those taking part in the event.

He said: “It is starting to dawn on us how quickly this is coming round. It is going to be hard work but for the money we can raise for Robbie it will most definitely be worthwhile.

“We are running to have fun and enjoy ourselves and are looking forward to more joining the team.”

Entry to the half marathon costs £30 and all sponsorship money must be collected within two weeks after the event. The closing date for entries is Friday, February 26, at 5pm.